Valentine’s Day is the most special day all year long where lovers get to give each other gifts, go on dates, watch movies, or go out to dinner. Although not everyone around the world is able to find love, you can always host a Galentine’s or watch movies with friends. Here are some of the best romantic comedies, not in any order, to watch, whether you’re alone or with your friends, around this special time of year.
A Walk to Remember
Made in 2002, the movie A Walk To Remember, is about Landon Carter (Shane West), a popular but rebellious high school senior, who is forced to participate in the school play as punishment for a prank that went terribly wrong. During play rehearsals, he meets Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the quiet and devout daughter of the local reverend. As Landon and Jamie start to spend more time together, an unexpected and profound set of feelings start to grow between the two that challenges them both in ways neither of them could have anticipated. I would recommend checking out A Walk to Remember because it’s a cute movie, and it gives you insight on how people can change for the better.
Anyone but You
In the movie Anyone But You, characters Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) meet in a coffee shop and end up having what seems to be the perfect first date until something happens to turn their fiery connection ice cold. Soon after, they find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, and they pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances. This movie came out in December of 2023 and was one of the best romantic comedies in years. It was so refreshing to watch two actors who have such an intense connection. This movie isn’t just good because of Bea and Ben’s love story, but also this movie is filled with witty dialogue, and I found myself laughing throughout the movie. I would highly recommend this movie if you are looking for a good laugh and a good love story.
10 Things I Hate About You
Released in 1999, 10 Things I Hate About You follows a new student at Padua High School (Cameron James), who falls for the popular girl (Bianca Stratford) and yet faces the obstacle of the girl’s father who forbids her to date unless the girl’s sister (Kat Stratford), who is more independent and rebellious, dates first. As new student Cameron makes a plan to date Bianca, unexpected romantic developments occur, showcasing themes of love and individuality. I would recommend this movie to young adults and those in high school because it shows how people truly are behind closed doors rather than what people make them out to be.
Friends with Benefits
Jamie (Mila Kunis) is a New York executive recruiter who tempts Dylan (Justin Timberlake) to take a job at the New York office of GQ magazine. Both upset and lonely from broken romances, Dylan and Jamie decide it is time to quit searching for love and focus on having fun, but obstacles unfold when to two add sex to their relationship. This movie was released on July 22, 2011 and is one of our top movies because it is so entertaining. Although this movie adds nothing new to the rom-com genre, the tension and connection between Dylan and Jamie carries the movie by itself.
13 Going On 30
This film, released in 2004, is about a girl who is tired of the social structures of high school, and, overnight, transforms into an adult. Teenager Jenna (Christa B. Allen) wanted a boyfriend. When she fails to find one, she fantasizes about being an adult (Jennifer Garner), but when her desires become reality, she realizes adulthood has its own set of male challenges. I would recommend this movie to anyone struggling to find love. Its message serves as a reminder that, even as an adult, life is never as simple as it seems.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
A magazine writer named Andie Anderson is asked to write an article on “How to Drive a Man Away in 10 Days,” and an advertising executive named Ben makes a bet with his colleagues that he can make any woman fall in love with him in just 10 days. They end up dating each other with their secret agendas, leading to their plans backfiring. This movie is definitely one of the best rom-coms to exist—the storyline is very unique, and their playful and charismatic interactions drive the film. This movie also contains such iconic scenes, such as the “You’re So Vain” karaoke moment, which has become a memorable part of romantic comedy cinema. We definitely recommend this movie to everyone.
She’s All That
Made in 1999, the film She’s All That follows high school hotshot Zach Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), who is the envy of his peers. However, his popularity takes a hit when his cheerleader girlfriend (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) leaves him for reality television star Brock Hudson (Matthew Lillard). Desperate to regain his status, Zach agrees to an impossible challenge—he has six weeks to gain the trust of nerdy outcast Laney Boggs (Rachel Leigh Cook) and help her become the school’s next prom queen. I highly recommend this movie because it takes you through so many emotions, which is what keeps you engaged from start to finish.
27 Dresses
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Jane, who always puts others’ needs before her own, has always dreamed of becoming a bride but has only ever been a bridesmaid. When she meets a handsome reporter, Kevin, he sees Jane’s unusual story as his ticket out of the bridal beat. This movie is appreciated for its blend of romance, relatable themes, and humor. It is filled with witty dialogue between Jane and Kevin, and their banter adds a layer of charm and entertainment. The romantic elements are both heartwarming and relatable, and the two characters have great chemistry that makes their interactions even more enjoyable.
La La Land
In the movie La La Land, released in 2016, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) are drawn to each other by their common desire to do what they love most. However, as they find success, they are faced with choices that cause conflict within their own relationship.I suggest this movie to those who want to accomplish their dreams, but I believe its message is to never let anything take away what’s truly important. If you achieve success, don’t let the world pull you away from those who have been with you since day one. It’s okay to dream big, but just remember the challenges that come with the dream. However, I do recommend this movie for those who want to achieve big things because it gives you insight into how being an important person in the world comes with a lot of responsibilities.
The Notebook
The Notebook is definitely the top romantic comedy. This film offers several compelling reasons for viewers to watch it, especially those who love romance and drama. In this movie, Noah and Allie, who are from different social classes, fall in love during the summer. Allie’s family does not approve of Noah and forces them to separate. Noah goes off to serve in World War II, while Allie moves away, and it seems that is the end of their love affair. When Allie finds another man (James Marsden), Noah comes back home to find Allie and James about to get married, but it soon becomes clear that Allie and Noah’s romance is anything but over. I would say this is my favorite movie. This movie has the ability to bring strong emotions to viewers with its twists and turns, while also conveying love and loss. This movie also has many memorable scenes, such as the iconic rain-soaked kiss.
Overall, these movies are great for any time, but with Valentine’s Day around the corner, romantic comedies are the way to go, whether you need a laugh, a cry, or just a little romance. Movies like these take your emotions on a roller coaster, but who wouldn’t want that while watching a film? Keep in mind that it’s okay to watch these movies whether you have a partner or not. You can enjoy them with friends or family because the love is still there.
Works Cited:
- A walk to remember (2002). A Walk to Remember (2002) directed by Adam Shankman • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd. (n.d.). A Walk to Remember (2002) directed by Adam Shankman • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
- 10 Things I Hate About You. (n.d.). Plugged In. 10 Things I Hate About You – Plugged In
- 13 Going on 30. (n.d.). Www.rottentomatoes.com. 13 Going on 30 | Rotten Tomatoes
- She’s All That – Rotten Tomatoes. (n.d.). Www.rottentomatoes.com. She’s All That | Rotten Tomatoes
- La La Land. (2015, April 30). Rotten Tomatoes. La La Land | Rotten Tomatoes
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. (n.d.). Www.rottentomatoes.com. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/how_to_lose_a_guy_in_10_days
- Anyone But You | Rotten Tomatoes. (2023, December 22). Www.rottentomatoes.com. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/anyone_but_you_2023
- 27 Dresses Movie Review. (2024). Common Sense Media. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/27-dresses
- The Notebook (2004). (n.d.). Www.rottentomatoes.com. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/notebook
- Friends with Benefits (2011) – User reviews – IMDb. (2020). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1632708/reviews/
